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Growing Timeline At-a-Glance
Prepare trays & sow
seeds
Stack & weight
(blackout period)
Expose to light
Bottom water
Harvest when ready
| Red Kohlrabi Microgreens: Key Growing Stats | |
| Seed per 1122 professional tray | 25 grams |
| Seed per Home Professional Tray | 6 grams |
| Seed density per cm² | 0.02 grams |
| Pre-soak needed? | No |
| Stack and weight period | 3-4 days |
| Time to harvest | 8-12 days |
Quick Start Guide
New to growing Red Clover microgreens? Here's the simplified process:
- Prepare your trays: Clean your growing containers and fill with moist growing medium (coco coir recommended) up to the rim.
- Sow seeds: Spread seeds evenly across the surface (6g for home trays, 25g for professional trays) and do not cover with compost.
- Stack & cover: Mist the seeds gently, then cover with a second tray and add weight. Keep stacked for 2-3 days until germination.
- Expose to light: Once sprouted, remove the weight and top tray, and place in indirect light or under grow lights.
- Water from below: Add water to bottom reservoir tray only when needed, usually after your microgreens have sprouted and the roots have grown down through the holes in the growing tray. Maintain good airflow and temperature (18-24°C).
- Harvest: Cut just above soil level when 8-12 days old, when they reach 7-10cm tall.
Introduction
Grow Sow Greeners' aim is to get you growing your very own easy, healthy and vibrant produce at home for the minimum cost possible. Every meal you grow at home is another toxic free meal not purchased from supermarkets and the associated ecological damage.
People are turning on to organic red clover sprouts as a nutritional, tasty and massively healthy sprouting seed which has a mild flavour and compliments most dishes very well indeed. Consider it as you would alfalfa.
Our certified organic seeds are lab-tested for pathogens and packaged in 100% compostable, resealable materials, benefiting both your health and the environment.
Variety Profile
- Latin Name: Trifolium pratense
- Certification: Certified Organic
- Seed Treatment: Untreated and lab-tested for pathogens
- Flavour & Texture: A pleasant neutral base
- Growth Rate: Medium (8 - 12 days to harvest)
- Difficulty Level: Easy - perfect for beginners
Seed Quality & Sourcing
The success of your microgreen crop begins with high-quality seeds. Here's what to look for:
What Makes Quality Seeds
- High Germination Rate: Look for seeds with at least an 85% germination rate for even growth.
- Pathogen Testing: Lab-tested seeds minimise the risk of contamination and disease.
- Certified Organic: Ensures seeds are grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilisers and are not GMO
- Suitable Varieties: Choose seeds specifically labelled for microgreen production for best results.
Storage Recommendations
- Store seeds in a cool (10-15°C), dark, and dry place in an airtight container.
- For long-term storage, refrigerate or freeze unopened packets.
- Avoid frequent opening of refrigerated seeds, as condensation can affect viability.
- Most seeds remain viable for many years when properly stored.
At Grow Sow Greener, our organic Red Kohlrabi microgreen seeds are lab-tested for pathogens, have exceptional germination rates, and come in compostable, plastic-free packaging to support both your growing success and environmental sustainability.
Equipment & Materials
Essential Materials Checklist
- Growing trays (see system options below)
- Growing medium (coco coir recommended)
- Organic Red Clover microgreen seeds
- Spray bottle for misting
- Clean water
- Light source (sunny windowsill or LED grow lights)
- Small fan for air circulation (optional but recommended)
- Sharp scissors or knife for harvesting
Tray Systems
We offer two specialised tray systems to suit different growing scales:
Home Professional Tray Set
Perfect for: Home growers and small-scale production
- Design: Three-tray system that fits easily on windowsills and countertops
- Dimensions: 22cm x 17cm x 6cm
- Key feature: 6cm depth helps maintain consistent moisture, making it nearly "bomb-proof" for part-time growers
- Seeding rate: 6 grams per tray
- Materials: BPA-free recycled food-grade PP; heavy-duty injection moulded
- Weight: 104g per tray
- Growing medium: Use 1 × 10cm coco disc with 400ml water or half a 650g coco brick
- Bottom tray capacity: 1200ml
1122 Professional Tray System
Perfect for: Professional growers and urban vertical farming
- Design: Three-tray system designed for commercial production
- Dimensions: 56cm x 28cm x 3cm (22" x 11" x 1 3⁄8")
- Key feature: Designed for repeated use and integration with automated systems
- Seeding rate: 25 grams per tray
- Materials: BPA-free recycled food-grade PP; heavy-duty injection moulded
- Weight: 350g per tray
- Growing medium: Fills perfectly with coco coir or professional growing media
- Tray capacity: 4 trays per standard shelf (122cm x 45cm)
Growing Media
While various media can be used, we recommend coco coir for its consistency, ease of use, and compact storage. It provides an ideal texture for delicate new roots and ensures reliable growth.
- Coco Coir: Our preferred medium - sustainable, lightweight, and retains moisture well
- Seed Starting Compost: Good alternative, but ensure it's sterile and fine-textured
- Grow Mats: Convenient option with much less mess, though typically more expensive than coco coir
Important: Always choose low EC coco coir that has been properly cleaned to remove excess salt for optimal plant health.
Lighting Options
- Natural Light: A south-facing windowsill can work well for home growers
- LED Grow Lights: Recommended for consistent results, especially in winter months
- Light Positioning: Keep lights 20-30cm above the microgreens
- Duration: 12-16 hours of light daily for optimal growth
Vertical Growing Setup (For Professional Growers)
Growing microgreens vertically maximises space and allows for year-round production:
- Recommended rack: 122cm wide, 45cm deep shelving units
- Shelf capacity: 4 trays per shelf (with 1122 System)
- Lighting: Two LED grow lights per shelf
- Environmental control: Small oscillating fan, temperature 18-24°C, 50% relative humidity
Step-by-Step Growing Guide
Step 1: Preparing Your Growing Container
- Clean your trays thoroughly to remove any residues from previous grows.
- Set up your three-tray system: bottom reservoir tray, middle growing tray (with holes), and top cover tray.
- Ensure your growing surface is level to avoid dry or waterlogged sections.
Step 2: Preparing the Growing Medium
- Place your compressed coco coir in a large container - it will expand significantly.
- Add lukewarm water (20-30°C) and allow to soak for 15-30 minutes until fully expanded.
- Break up any clumps and fluff the coir to an even, light texture.
- Optional: Mix in organic trace minerals or seaweed powder for added nutrition.
- Fill the growing tray to the rim with the moistened medium and gently tamp down. It should be damp but not waterlogged.
Step 3: Sowing the Seeds
- Measure your seeds according to your tray size:
- Home Professional Tray: 6g of seeds
- 1122 Professional Tray: 25g of seeds
- Custom containers: aim for 0.02g per cm²
- Distribute seeds evenly across the surface, spacing them about one to two seed lengths apart. (Think poppy seeds on a bun)
- Gently mist the seeds with a spray bottle to help them settle into the compost.
- Note: Denser seeding increases humidity and may increase mould risk, but can produce more stems (favoured by some commercial growers). Sparser seeding produces larger leaves (often preferred by home growers).
Step 4: Establishing a Humid Environment & Stacking
- Place the growing tray (with seeds and medium) into the bottom reservoir tray. Do not add water to the reservoir yet.
- Place the top reservoir tray directly on top of the seeds, right way up, gently pressing them into the compost.
- Add weight on top of the cover tray (clean canned goods or bricks work well) to encourage strong root development and an even canopy.
- Place in a warm location (18-24°C) away from direct sunlight during this germination period.
- Keep stacked and weighted for 3-4 days until the seedlings begin to lift the top tray.
Important: The seeds draw their moisture from the pre-moistened growing medium during this phase. Do not add water to the bottom reservoir until after germination and mist your seeds every day or two with clean fresh tap water.
Step 5: Light Exposure & Growth Management
- Once seedlings have lifted the top tray (around day 3-4), remove the weight and cover.
- Place trays in indirect sunlight or under LED grow lights positioned 20-30cm above the greens.
- Now add water to the bottom reservoir tray to provide moisture via capillary action.
- Maintain gentle airflow with a small fan to prevent mould and strengthen stems.
- If growing on a windowsill, rotate the tray daily to prevent leaning.
- Keep temperature between 18-24°C with 50% relative humidity for optimal growth.
Note: The seedlings may appear yellow at first but will quickly green up with exposure to light.
Step 6: Harvesting & Storage
- Red Clover microgreens are typically ready to harvest between days 8-12.
- For best flavour and texture, harvest when they reach 7-10cm tall, just as they develop their first true leaves.
- Use clean, sharp scissors or a knife to cut just above the soil level.
- Hold the greens gently with one hand while cutting with the other for a clean harvest.
- Store harvested microgreens in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Do not wash until ready to use, as excess moisture can speed spoilage.
- Properly stored, they should remain fresh for at least 7 days.
Advanced Tips & Best Practices
- Optimise Seeding Density: Experiment with different seeding rates to find your preferred balance between stem and leaf growth.
- Bottom Watering Technique: Only add water to the bottom reservoir when needed—overwatering is a common mistake. Look for signs of dryness like slight wilting before adding more water.
- Light Management: For stockier stems, position lights closer (15-20cm); for longer stems, position lights further away (30-40cm) or leave the lights off longer.
- Humidity Control: If your growing environment is very dry, you can increase humidity by misting around (not directly on) the trays or using a humidity dome for the first day after removing the weight.
- Pre-Harvest Practices: For best flavour, avoid watering for 12-24 hours before harvest to concentrate the nutritional content.
- Continuous Growing: Start a new tray every 3-4 days for a constant supply of fresh microgreens.
- Seasonal Adjustments: In winter, you may need supplemental heating or to position trays in a warmer location to maintain optimal growing temperatures.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
| Problem | Possible Causes | Solutions |
|---|---|---|
| Mould Growth | Excessive moisture, poor air circulation, high humidity |
|
|
Root Hairs vs. Mould (white fuzz confusion) |
Normal root hairs often mistaken for mould |
|
| Uneven Germination | Poor seed distribution, uneven moisture, low-quality seeds |
|
| Leggy, Weak Growth | Insufficient light, incorrect light positioning, overcrowding |
|
| Yellowing Leaves | Overwatering, nutrient deficiency, or normal after blackout |
|
Preventing Common Issues
- Sanitation: Thoroughly clean and sanitise all equipment between grows to prevent pathogen buildup. Hot soapy water is usually sufficient.
- Air Movement: A small oscillating fan creates movement that strengthens stems and reduces mould risk.
- Consistent Monitoring: Check your trays daily to catch and address any issues before they become serious.
- Temperature Control: Avoid temperature extremes, as they can stress plants and create favourable conditions for pathogens.
Nutritional Profile & Health Benefits
Red clover microgreens are packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and phytonutrients, supporting overall health, immune function, and vitality.
Key Nutrients
- Vitamins: A,B, C, E and K. and protein.
- Minerals: Potassium, Carotene, Zink
- Other Compounds: Protein
Health Benefits
-
Vision and Skin Health: High in vitamin A, red clover microgreens support healthy vision, skin regeneration, and immune defense.
Immune Support: Rich in vitamin C, they help strengthen the immune system, promote collagen production, and aid in wound healing.
Bone Strength: Packed with vitamin K, calcium, and magnesium, these microgreens support bone density and overall skeletal health.
Heart Health: The combination of magnesium and potassium helps regulate blood pressure and supports cardiovascular function.
Cellular Protection: Loaded with antioxidants and phytonutrients, red clover microgreens combat oxidative stress and reduce inflammation.
Nutritional Comparison
Research suggests that microgreens can contain up to 40 times more nutrients than their mature counterparts. Red Kohlrabi microgreens are particularly notable for their concentrated levels of vitamin C and antioxidants compared to fully grown kohlrabi.
Culinary Uses & Recipe Ideas
Flavour Profile & Complementary Ingredients
Red clover microgreens have a mild, fresh, and slightly sweet flavor with a subtle earthy undertone. Their delicate texture and tender leaves make them a light and refreshing addition to various dishes. Unlike some other microgreens, they lack strong bitterness or spice, making them highly versatile for both raw and cooked applications.
Pairs well with:
- Fresh greens (lettuce, spinach, arugula)
- Citrus fruits (orange, grapefruit, lemon)
- Mild cheeses (feta, mozzarella, ricotta)
- Nuts and seeds (almonds, pumpkin seeds, flaxseeds)
- Light vinaigrettes (honey mustard, balsamic, lemon-herb)
- Smoothies and juices for a mild nutrient boost
- Whole grains (quinoa, brown rice, farro)
Serving Suggestions
- Fresh Garden Salad – Toss with mixed greens, sliced citrus, and a light vinaigrette for a refreshing, nutrient-packed salad.
- Avocado Toast – Sprinkle over smashed avocado on whole-grain toast with a drizzle of lemon juice for added freshness.
- Smoothie Boost – Blend into fruit smoothies for an extra dose of vitamins and antioxidants without altering the flavor.
- Nutty Grain Bowls – Add to quinoa or rice bowls with roasted nuts, chickpeas, and a tahini dressing for a light crunch.
- Light Wraps & Sandwiches – Layer into wraps or sandwiches for a mild, fresh contrast to creamy or savory fillings.
-
Omelets & Scrambled Eggs – Fold into eggs just before serving to retain their delicate texture and enhance flavor.
Featured Recipe: Featured Recipe: Citrus & Red Clover Microgreen Salad with Honey-Lemon Dressing
Description: This light and refreshing salad combines the mild, slightly sweet flavor of red clover microgreens with the bright acidity of citrus and the crunch of toasted almonds. Juicy orange and grapefruit segments bring a burst of freshness, while creamy goat cheese adds a rich contrast. A simple honey-lemon dressing ties everything together, making this dish perfect as a side or a light, nutrient-packed meal.
Note: Swap goat cheese for feta or omit for a dairy-free version.
Handling & Preparation Tips
- Rinse microgreens gently just before use to maintain freshness.
- Add microgreens at the last moment to retain their delicate texture and nutrients.
- Use scissors to harvest directly from the growing tray for the best quality.
- Try layering microgreens with ingredients instead of using them just as a garnish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long does it take to grow Red Clover microgreens in the UK?
A: They are typically ready for harvest between 8-12 days when grown in soil or coco using our tray systems. Growing time may vary slightly depending on temperature and light conditions.
Q: What seeding rate should I use?
A: For the Home Professional Tray Set, use approximately 6g per tray. For the 1122 Tray System, use approximately 25g per tray. For recycled containers, aim for 0.02g per cm².
Q: Which tray system should I choose?
A: It depends on your scale—Home Professional for compact, home use and the 1122 Tray System for professional or urban vertical farming. The Home Professional set is ideal for windowsills and small spaces, while the 1122 system is designed for larger-scale production.
Q: How do I ensure proper moisture without overwatering?
A: Use bottom watering—add water to the bottom reservoir only when needed, and avoid overwatering by monitoring tray weight. Don't water until well after germination has occurred. The growing medium should feel damp but not waterlogged.
Q: What environmental conditions are optimal?
A: Maintain 18-24°C and about 50% relative humidity with proper airflow for optimal growth. These microgreens do well in typical room temperature conditions, making them suitable for home growing.
Q: Do I need special lights to grow microgreens?
A: While a sunny windowsill can work, LED grow lights provide more consistent results, especially during UK winters with limited natural light. They're particularly important for commercial growers seeking consistent yields.
Q: How do I store harvested microgreens?
A: Store unwashed microgreens in an airtight container lined with paper towels in the refrigerator. Wash just before use to maximise shelf life. They typically remain fresh for over a week when properly stored.
Q: Can I reuse the growing medium?
A: We don't recommend reusing the growing medium for microgreens due to the dense root network and potential pathogen buildup. However, used medium makes an excellent addition to garden compost.
Summary
Growing your own red clover microgreens is a simple yet rewarding way to enjoy fresh, nutritious food straight from your home. By cultivating your own greens, you ensure maximum freshness, reduce reliance on store-bought produce, and eliminate unnecessary plastic waste. These microgreens are packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, supporting overall health while adding a mild, refreshing flavor to your meals. Whether you're growing for convenience, sustainability, or nutrition, your efforts contribute to a more self-sufficient and eco-friendly food system. Keep growing and enjoy the benefits of homegrown, healthy greens
Next Steps
- Select your organic seeds, tray system and growing media based on your space and needs
- Follow our detailed growing steps for consistent, successful harvests
- Experiment with different culinary uses to enjoy your fresh microgreens
- Try growing other complementary varieties like broccoli or pea shoots
- Share your growing journey and culinary creations with our community
Thank you for following this guide—happy growing, and get in touch any time we can help you on your journey growing fresh red clover microgreens!